The objections to this Wendy's by the residents has more to do with the underhanded and deceitful ways of the developer, Giavannone Construction. Several people in the neighborhood expressed an interest in buying the Bunting House. The developer wasn't interested. I actually think Wendy's has the best fast food of all the chains. However, the corner location is just horrendous as a location. The fact that a beautiful, Victorian home was demolished does not sit well with the neighborhood residents either.

I don't get how not wanting a lowbrow fast food chain is a political thing. Shouldn't everyone want more for our neighborhood than the same bland whitewash that transforms this whole country into a depressing homogenous soup long bereft of character or style. Also, I love a big greasy burger sometimes, which apparently makes me a republican, yet I have a brain, which makes me a liberal weenie. Fascinating.

Last time I checked Andorra Shopping Center has plenty of open parking lot to showcase another fast food restaurant such as a Wendy's. Although zoning may allow for this building to be constructed at the corner of Ridge and Roxborough, those in charge should reconsider this location and determine if this building type is really in the best interest of the people, community, and overall revitalization of Roxborough.

Horse feathers!

Well I am from the neighborhood and I think that a Wendys would be great on that corner! They are putting way to many banks, hair salons and apt buildings in our neighborhood. Honestly, people need to look around, actually there is nothing in Roxborough, My grandson stays with me every weekend, and I am sure he would be very happy if I could walk him to Wendys on a Saturday afternoon for lunch! Come on people a Wendys on that corner is not the end of the world!!!

Yeah, but Julia, don't you understand that the only people's who opinion really matters are those few that live near the proposed Wendy's. It is not about the majority. Those few are completely surprised that a commercial building is going up on a commercial lot. When they purchased they had no idea they were purchasing near a commercial location. Come on now?????? I can't wait for my first baconator!!!! How bout you Roxgal???

Horses don't have feathers.

"...people's who opinion really matters are those few that live near the proposed Wendy's"

Duh. And why shouldn't it, gay ballz? cause your lazy ass wants a cheap hamburger?

So since you own a home in the vicinity, you think you have every right to tell someone they can't build a fast food restaurant around the corner from your house on a lot that THEY own. You clearly are one of those "liberal weenies" james mentioned. stop trying to run peoples lives. Does looking at a wendys instead of a vacant lot really affect your quality of life? "oh the horror!! there is a wendys around the corner and now my life is ruined!!"

Mark - It's not looking at a Wendy's that bothers me; wendy's is actually my favorite fast food (i don't eat it often but i do enjoy it momentarily) . It's that I don't want the constant traffic that this will likely bring down rox avenue and my street (i'm between ridge and henry). i don't think it's the right location for a fast food type of establishment. i'm allowed to have thoughts on how increased traffic might affect my life. (and sorry, i don't know how to respond to your post, i'm a patch newbie).

How much more traffic do you think a Wendy's would bring down Roxborough ave? Its not like its a football stadium with ten of thousands of people trying to find parking. I've never seen more than 10 people at a Wendy's. Are you really that worried about increased traffic on a connector street? How would "Wendy's traffic" really inconvenience your life? Maybe add ten seconds to your commute?

Ut, Mark has personally only seen, no more than 10 people at a Wendy's so that must be a consistency among Wendy's. Obvious troll in more ways than one.

First of all that wasn't the main point of my response. My point was that there is this unreasonable outcry about traffic when in reality Wendy's does not come close to creating serious traffic issues. How many more cars are gonna drive in the area because of this Wendy's? Maybe one car every minute if it gets crowded. I don't think that will ruin anybody's life.

Second of all, I have no idea what that last sentence means.

Third of all, shut up Michael. Wendy's is awesome.

Mark, either you are a troll or ignorant. Have you seen that intersection between 4:30 and 6:30? It's backed up on Roxborough and on Ridge in both directions. Now add the proposed plan and you CREATE more traffic backups with people turning in and out. That's most people's concern. Not the extra cars driving here from all over just to eat at crappy Wendy's.

Think hard before you post. Use that brain!

Mark, being that he lives there he does, or at least should, have a say in the matter. That is the whole point of a civic association. Wendy's also brings an increase in trash, foul odors, and noise that previously did not exist. I don't think he is for keeping it a vacant lot but has the right to fight for a different establishment to move in.

Neil, why doesn't the civic association just purchase the location and they can then put whatever they want there. That is the only time their voice matters...when it is theirs to do as they see fit. I'm with you Mark!!

Yes, like the problems the Wendy's at 15th and Chestnut had.

Fast food restaurants are meant for shopping centers not on a residential street. I don't think you would see as much opposition if Wendy's was slated for Ivy Ridge.

Stop by the Wendy's at 15th & Chestnut, 11th & Walnut, or Cottman & Rising Sun around school dismissal sometime. They're like zoos both inside and out. Those kids have no respect for the establishment, it's patrons, or the surrounding people and homes. You think those hooligans are going to be better behaved next year when half of Germantown HS gets shipped in to Roxborough? And that's not to mention those who want to "Eat Great" at 2 & 3AM! From the drive through.

I couldn't agree with you more. And to think they destroyed that beautiful house in order to do this.... the words angry and disgusted don't even come close to describing how horrible this makes me feel...

Have you looked outside at the "cleanliness" now? Take a look at McDonald's and see how they keep their place clean.

Bridget - thanks for the response. My "weenie" comment is directed at the absurd argument of fast-food's impact upon the neighborhood. Every responsible citizen should take an interest in what businesses operate in their neighborhood - but that's called ZONING. If you and your fellow neighbors wanted another Bunting House on that corner, then you should have acted with foresight on the zoning. Fighting this business now is "moving the goalposts" on the owner/builder and a violation of his property rights.

Last time I looked McDonald's is less than 1/2 mile away from IHM school. I was referring to McDonald's with respect to how well they take care of their grounds.
If Wendy's does the same, it can only be an improvement.

Hi Maia, are you apart of the facebook group https://www.facebook.com/RoxboroughResidentsAgainstWendys? This would be great information to post there. If you are not, do you mind if I post this information on the page? Thank you!!

No - I do not have a facebook page - please post it for me! Thank you!!!

Thank you Maia for being an intelligent woman who takes control and knows how to make a change. A true leader. You’re a breath of fresh air among these idiots bickering on here. I will use this information and pass it on, thank you.

Thank you for the Wendy's contact info. I probably wouldn't have contacted them directly otherwise to let them know how welcome they will be.

Really? No S**t. And so is the large back up at 7:30-9:00am that I deal with every morning (Yea, I work!?!). Thanks for helping my point.

I didn't call anyone a name. Just pointing out ignorance of someone who obviously doesn't know the area/intersection that well.

You could always go to the grocery store and get bread and sandwich meat if you want something quick and easy to eat. I don't want a pizza/cheese steak place either but I don't want a china panda, subway, bodega whatever as well. Make it something better. Also I don't understand why people are all up in arms about kids hanging out? They may be loud and probably messy but god forbid they spend their money on Ridge.

FYI - the school at Levering is longer public.

FYI, Cathy - AMY Northwest is a public school. It is a special admission middle school, which means that the kids need to apply & be accepted, but it is still a public school. And because it has been located in the Germantown & Mt Airy area until this year, most of kids are not from Roxborough & take SEPTA to & from school. A lot of the kids get the 32 at the corner of Ridge & Gerhard, but some walk down to Walnut to get the 65, or get other busses. But don't let the strict uniform policy fool you, AMY is a public school!

I agree with you Danielle, I misspoke when I said it wasn't public - it is a magnet school that draws from all over the city. I have no idea how many kids from Roxborough go there or applied there. I guess the fact that all paraochial schools wear uniforms must mean those kids are always good.

Catholic & private school kids can misbehave as well as public school kids, the uniform has nothing to do with it. All I meant was that despite the fact that AMY's uniforms look more like private school uniforms than public school uniforms, they are a public school. As a mother of 3 kids in public school, I'm not saying anything bad about public school kids either. However, I don't think there are any yellow busses for AMY. Most of the kids get SEPTA transpasses, which gives them some flexibility for leaving at the end of the day. And, I'm not sure how many of the 270 kids are from Roxborough either, but I only know of a few that are definitely from Rox, including my daughter.

Any small business! Boutique, book-store, family-owned restaurant, community center. We need a tenet that would respect and contribute to the well-being of the community; fast food chains don't do that.

The economy is what sucks. No individual in their right mind would attempt to open a business at this time.

Debbie, you are obviously misinformed or if not, you should have provided info that Giavannone was lying or was scamming. People waited until the 11th hour to do anything about trying to save the Bunting House.

Cathy, Debbie is right on about the lying if you been up to date on things. And there's more people behind the certain than it appears. If you've followed the activity on these lots, specially the past "owners" you'd be able to put it together. Heck they wanted to hide who they were on this project by using 5901 LLC....Anyway I recommend an hour and some Google and you can put it all together.

People waited till the 11th hour cause they found out about it in the 11th hour. Though I chide the local leaders/reps that took the "old", notice that's in quotes, developers word and decided NOT to make the Bunting House historic.

i have three degrees, work a full time job, and my husband and i own our home, as we did our previous home of 6 years. i simply do not want a 24 hour fast food operation LITERALLY around the corner from my house. i don't understand why this is such an objectionable opinion. i would love a restaurant, a coffeeshop, a bookstore, an nonprofit community group, a co-working space for the community, etc. but i do not want a 24 hour fast food chain.

Good point Nick.

Vision and growth by way of Wendys?!!? Nice pitch.

How do you speak from experience?

I like that idea- a medical office suite so close to roxborough memorial would make sense. It certainly helps the community too, as every doctor I've ever visited here is stretched beyond their limits in terms of scheduling and space.

The medical office suite is brilliant! They have office vacancies now so maybe we can get some more. God forbid the people working in the area have some options on where to eat.

caren-
Doctors vs fast food. You choose fast food. Congrats on being the problem.

Kevin, take a look at Wendy's menu. You are probably one of those people that would sue McDonald's for making you obese.

caren-
nah I'm actually one of those people that wouldn't argue for a fast food place to move into my neighborhood since I actually have taste and pride. But keep on defending wendy's like it's "progress". It's hilarious to watch you squirm.

Yes, you answered my question. I'm not sure I'd be so proud of that building though and I love me some Barry's.

You are right that some in this area protest everything and anything (recent examples, the new Gym, Stanley's new building, etc...) and it's annoying but some of the fight is to prevent it from continuing its current look. And I'm sure no one wanted to see the empty lot your family developed just as we around here didn't want the empty lot(s) that was just created a 5901-08. Heck, where were you when we were fighting against the empty lots?

I am extremely proud of that building especially since my father self contracted it and laid the bricks with his own hands. He is no longer with us, so with that being said the building always brings a smile to face because it is just another shining example of Dad's hard work and determination. And it is annoying to see that growth is almost always resisted in Roxborough. It's a great town with great people. I just think many people resist change here. For what reason, I am not sure.

Caren, they were supposed to build townhouses there instead of a strip mall.
It was never intended to be an empty lot.

And when it comes time to raise property taxes.

and Rita's Water Ice and Starbucks and CVS and Wawa and Subway and the empty bank at Ridge and Lyceum and Ridge and Green Lane.

Like Phu-Fha and Peck Miller's and the Liberty Tax service?

So what. Who cares.

You're a perfect example of neighborhood people that don't support local businesses and then they are forced out of business. If you're not part of the solution, then you must be part of the problem.

p.s. I loved your skating in the 1988 Olympics.

Sorry you feel that way Tom. The area needs more stores that are not in and out of here in less than a year. It's too bad that everyone feels "not in my backyard". If they can get past that mentality the neighborhood will continue to grow. And no Tom, you don't have an opinion if you no longer live here.

Having a place like Wendy's will only help to attract other businesses to the area. It will give the people working at the hospital and the many banks a place to eat. I don't see how you can't see that this is only a good thing for the area. Unless you are one of those people who say "not in my backyard". Step aside for progress and stop being the problem instead of the solution.

Once again Tom, you don't live here you don't get an opinion. Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy - a bunch of libtard, over-priced useless stores unless you are looking for some boutique item or fancy cheese. Have you been to Manayunk lately? In the 60's and 70's and 80's it was a virtual toilet but look at it now - with support from the city. In case you haven't noticed (oh, you don't live here) but the city has been pouring a lot of money into Roxborough - esppecially on Ridge Ave. Once again, you have no opinion here.

Caren....as I mentioned in my post....your are spot on accurate. Growth comes from fresh ideas and change. Roxborough is a diamond in the rough that just needs stimulation from investors and Anchore stores. The problem is the community would rather drive businesses out by not patronizing them and then got to major shopping malls outside their neighborhood and promote spending and jobs in other areas.....Makes a lot of sense.....LMAO

The difference between a "quality" store and a "quality" business is what you are missing. It doesn't matter what they sell (within reason), only that they are sustainable. More "quality" businesses will follow.

just saw caren's comment with the word "libtard" in there. explains everything. Worthless conservative thinks a fast food joint is progress for the area, that minimum wage burger flippers are the extent of our potential as an employable base. She's not even capable of formulating thoughts of her own, just take the first idea (wendy's) and run with it. oh and she also shuts the conversation down on anyone "not from here" Pathetic!!! How do you have a computer?!

Kevin, you're slower than I suspected.

Joe, you are so right. I remember all of those store. Growing up we had Bobmana, Ryan's Army Navy, Weiss and Kramer Furniture stores, several shoe stores , Woolworth's and drug stores. Everyone supported these stores as well as the places to eat. We need something to anchor the Ridge other than Starbucks and Subway.

Caren....the one thing that I learned and I learned it from my father who invested heavily in businesses and real estate in the Roxborough area is to never listen to the negative nay sayers that prohibit growth. He always said that if you listen to those few closed minded individuals...you will never get anywhere in the Roxborough community. It never stopped him from building and innvesting in the town that he loved so much. If he had ever listened to such negativity he would have never taken the chances that he did in our area...and he would have never been a success in doing so. You will never change the minds of those archaic individuals who for some reason resist progress and change. I am all for any new improvements to our beloved area that stimulate gorwth and opportunity. If these folks want to petition something....let them petition the Roxborough highschool that has very small local population in it. The kids parade down Ridge Ave wreaking all kinds of havoc day in and day out creating an atmosphere that prohibits any prospective investors the Ridge ave shopping distric. petition the local politicians to create a system similar to Central High that implements a stringent criteria in allowing stidents to enroll in Roxborough Highschool instead of allowing them to be bussed in from every other section of the City. You want to petitioni something Roxborough....step the hell up and petition that!!!!

Caren...my family owns the buiding that used to house the Woolworths on Ridge Avenue. Again the problem is the local community did not support them enough to afford them the opportunity to continue their lease with us. They also closed their location shortly after in the IVY Ridge shopping center. Bottom line is most of these close minded Roxborough Citizens could care less about tinvestors and their losses and as soon as one of these investors look to draw interested parties to lease their space...the community is up in arms looking to petition agains the so called change....usually because of the TRAFFIC.......LMAO!!! Bottom line is the investor must do what is neccessary in good taste for the community and their investment to profit from their investment regardless of what the minority opinion is. Its called capitalism people....its what this country was built on and affords each and every one of you the job opportunites that you have. There are communist countries out there you can move to if your that unhappy with how this one does things. Just saying.

Hey Joe, Do you really think Ridge ave needs more stores than it already has or would it have made more sense to build housing to bring up the property values in the neighborhood ? Apparently you don't live in the immediate area where you won;t have to hear the noise late at night and clean up the area surrounding a fast food place.

The Custard Store that is now Rita's was FORCED out of that location by the owner of the building. They were at that location for 30 years. As for stores like Bobman's, Woolworth's, American Pants Company they were OUT OF BUSINESS years ago. It wasn't because they were driven out by the neighborhood residents.

Roxborough High is a 'neighborhood' school, not a 'special admission' school. And if things go the way the School District currently has planned, it will soon be the 'neighborhood' school for Germantown as well as Roxborough. Philadelphia cut down on the bussing years ago, but neighborhood families are still reluctant to send their kids to Rox High. A 'neighborhood' school has to accept all students who live within it's boundaries. It can then increase it's enrollment by accepting students outside it's boundaries who request admission. If you want to stop 'bussing kids in', then local families need to start enrolling their kids.

And if you were to make Rox High a 'special admission' school like Central: 1) Where would the Rox kids who aren't accepted go? If you don't qualify, you can't go! 2) You would be bussing in kids from all over the city who do qualify!

I bet you support Bloomberg's 16 oz soda ban and Planned Parenthood.

Yeah let's go with that, TOM. I am for freedoms for Americans and if I want to be fat, I'll be fat. Conversing with Liberals is amusing anyway! See you at the Gym. You have no clue!

Who said anything about abortions? Nice segue - Wendy's to abortions. You're disgusting.

And yet it is in the heart of Roxborough ave. There are residential propertyies directly behind the Wendy's they plan on building. I don't know about you but try selling that property after a fast food joint opens right next to your house. And by the way the builders lied and said they were building townhouses. Get a clue....

All of Ridge Avenues shopping district has residential housinng just behind it....what exactly is your point......should all the businesses on Ridge Ave be forced to close then....I don't understand your logic??

Tom, glad you will not influence the future of Roxborough since you don't live here. You are probably entertained by Honey Booboo.

Tom, you still aren't sure if you live here or not? Also, you know waaaayyy too much about honey booboo so you must be a fan. You're reloading what? Don't ask for more than you know.

opposites forever!

Jeff - that's a great question. Would love to know what the immediate neighbors think about the plans.

Caren- The "speculators" I refer to are those who think they know better than you how your neighborhood should be simply because they want to maximize their investment in a piece of property. I was born within two hundred yards of the intersection, I grew up less than a mile away, and I live within two hundred yards of the intersection. I've seen this neighborhood change over my 50 plus years living here; some good, some questionable. That doesn't make my opinion any more credible than yours. But unless you will be living in the area of influence surrounding the proposed development, your words ring somewhat hollow. BTW, the "Main Street corridor" has a mini strip mall, a movie theatre, a diner, and a lightly used chain store among its commercial businesses at the south end...check out what it would cost to put in a ff place down there...thats what I unknowingly speak of

I agree. or a check cashing store!

Read more carefully - I have no objection to Starbucks and Subway but they are not capable of sustaining an all day menu to serve residents and other businesses as a store like Wendy's.

Whether you insult someone nicley as in your comment Debbie.....or not nicely.....an insult is still an insult. Sounds a little hypochritical to me......hmmmmm???

Debbie, how extensive is this so-called experience you say you have that you conclude that conservatives that insult usually live in lower income areas? Or you conclude that I am a conservative because I am for progress and jobs for our community?

Joe, I think those houses will greatly improve the value of our homes over the current burnt out abandoned building that is sitting there now. Also shouldn't the new and improved Stanley's Hardware be a good thing and success story for the community? It's a great hardware store with some of the best, most helpful, employees around and now True Value is helping them grow and offer more products. When people move into those new homes I'm sure they will be happy to have a great hardware store to go to to buy nick-knacks to spruce up their house. It's crazy how development helps boost the economy.

Joe, you just made my point for me. If they built the townhomes at Ridge and Roxbourough like they originally planned the surrounding properties would go up in value. Wendy's will bring the property values down. Let me ask you a direct question. If they wanted to build a Wendy's right next door to your house, how would you like it ?

Dave, was that space commercial before they demolished it. I believe that it was. I don't understand the difference between Wendy's, and the two stores and commercial building that were there previously. Did those same people not know that they had purchased next door to a commercial property. One would think that they were aware and as such should have thought about that before purchasing there....wouldn't you think. Is this a surprise to anyone that a commercial store is going up on what was a commercial property. I don't get your argument???

Joe, based on your logic they should build a Burger King in the middle of the new houses they are building next to Stanley's.

What I said was that it won't happen! Rox High is a neighborhood public school, not a special admission public school. The city has plenty of special admission public schools, but it needs neighborhood schools also for the students who don't qualify for the special admission schools! There is nothing wrong with having a neighborhood school or sending your children to yours. The problem is that families in Roxborough stopped sending their children to Rox High, which led to increased bussing, which led to other families finding alternatives to Rox High. It's a catch 22. If you want to decrease bussing to Rox High, the solution isn't to make it a special admission (not that it would happen anyway), it's for the neighborhood to decide to make it OUR neighborhood school again, which would decrease the number of kids they COULD buss in. The kids who live near Central & don't qualify have another school nearby that is their 'neighborhood' school. And for many of them, that 'neighborhood' school is Germantown right now, so next year, they will be going to Roxborough.

Having standards is great, but the school district still needs to educate those that don't meet the standards. I was just pointing out that your comment about petitioning to make Rox High a special admission school was completely ridiculous. And it's completely off point also!

Danielle, you kind of make my point with Roxborough High ,as an example, with my stating in this thread, that locals do not support business ventures that come into this area. You are correct, they don't even support the local school. Why is that?? The area citizens created that catch 22. The same logic is applied to any company seeking a new venture in this area. Why the reason for objecting to new growth progress and opportunity. Why not send their kids to the local school. Because the locals chose not to, the school district had no other choice than to bus them in to keep Rox High open. Local investors who open businesses in this area do not have that option. We shoot them down before we even give them the opportunity to grow and help the area grow from their investment.

Well Debbie if that's what you consider options you should be glad Wendy's is coming. I guess you're happy to live on pizza and hoagies. At least Wendy's offers more than burgers and fries. Do you really want to pay Starbucks prices? Oh, that's right you're not from a lower income neighborhood! LMAO!

Joe, you are going to be surprised at this......but I actually agree with you. Sometimes Ridge Avenue reminds me of K&A.

Joe the petition is against a Wendy's fast food restaurant to move in. Partly because it does nothing to deter vagrants from hanging around the area and only gives them another place to pee. This seems to have grown a life of it's own and the original argument is lost. I don't think anyone that signs the petition is against development on Ridge I think they are against a Wendy's and want to see a better establishment move in.

@ Debbie....LMAO....we agree!!

One that would make an equal or better establishment want to move in next door. I'm not against chains as they tend to offer something that pleases everyone and have the financial backing to keep a place going. If you travel throughout the country you'll notice that most fast food establishments are huddled together or attached to a grocery stores shopping center. I don't want a Burger King, Taco bell, KFC to open up in that area. I would prefer a local cafe, restaurant, bar but the cost and risk may be to high. That being said why couldn't we get an Outback or Olive garden or something like that in that spot. It doesn't have to be food it could just as easily be a couple retail stores.

I'm not a city planner so I can't devote my time to researching demographics and making an educated guess at what will work there and ultimately improve the area. I'm a homeowner and I can voice my opinion on what I would not like to see in my neighborhood and hope that a city planner/developer takes notice that I, and apparently 400 other local residents, won't be spending our money there. And if that's the case I don't want to see a empty old Wendy's restaurant down the corner from my house in 10 years killing the value/attraction to my house should I look to sell.

Better yet, Neal why don't you just dime up and purchase the property and put what ever you like there. Until then those that own it have the say. If you feel that strongly against it, you have that option of investing in that property and developing anything that you like. That is the beasutiful part about this country.

I totally agree!

HEY FOLKS... CRAZY IDEA: Agree to disagree.
Calling people "libtard" and saying things like "you probably support Bloomberg's soda ban and Planned Parenthood." is ridiculous and immediately undermines your message. Rather it reveals you don't have one. Go to a mirror and ask yourself "Is there some better use of my time?". "Do I need to put others down to convey my point?". "Why do I attack people who I disagree with?".

People like Bloomberg or our own Debbie Thomas clearly CARE about others and their communities. You really are too short-sighted to recognize this? You might not agree with them (or their laws in Bloomberg's case) but you can't argue that they're trying to improve the health and safety of their fellow citizens. Good for them.

Please get off the discussion board if you are only here to be inflammatory or vent against some bogus liberal/conservative stereotype that you've cooked up in your small mind.

Thank you.

Joe... you... seem... like... a... smart guy... So... you... should... know... that... you... don't... need... to... put... ellipses... in... the middle... of... a... sentence... especially... when... you... are... not... quoting... someone... or... implying... the passage... of... time. I... find... that... a... well placed... coma... works... just... fine... in... most... cases

Roxborough is definitely in need of a Kohl's type department store. Maybe Marshall's or Ross, as there is already a Kohl's in Andorra.

Nah. Just the kind of person that calls out keyboard commandos for poor writing skills. If you're gonna troll, at least troll with some class. Amateur.

I have learned one valuable lesson in life. That lesson is, once one reduces themselves to personal attacks or diatribes, they are showing their insecurities. Well done RoxGuy, who by the way does not even divulge his own name. Insecure?

And I am the supposed amateur. If it makes you feel better about yourself, than so be it. LOL

Diatribes (do you even know what that means)? Have you seen your comments, Dostoevsky? Step off the soapbox

The soapbox is all your........and once again, you make my point regarding your sad attempts at harsh criticism valid. Well done educator...well done!!

And its spelled Dostoyevsky. Just figured you would like to spell it correctly first before putting it out there.

Oh, look at that. You've got spell check. You're a quick one ;)

You are the one thats sad Joey. You parade around like some hotshot "commercial real estate" money guy, but really you're just a sad pathetic fool who has nothing better to do than go on patch [of all places] and ridicule homeowners trying to improve their neighborhood. Go back to your failed/failing family businesses Joey. Maybe if you spent as much attention to them as you do to patch, then you'd be able to turn a profit. Don't blame the people of Roxborough for your family's shoddy business practices. You've got no one to blame but yourself. It's called personal responsibility.

Actually RoxGuy, we have still managed to do quite well even with the ups and downs. The liquor store is owned by the state. It was not our to keep in the black, We had the easy task of just collecting the rents. The family has never failed due to the strong belief that our father had in this area, and his continuous loyalties to this community even when met with resistance. He never gave up and we always supported and assisted in his ventures when in actuality we could have pulled up stakes and gone just about anywhere. I don't think one is a failure that comes to this country with nothing and works hard and diligently to acquire what our family has worked to acquire. Don't be bitter that you have not the skill set, drive, ambition, or desire to do the same. It's ok, there will still be some social security left for you to rely on for all of your years at making someone else rich and tax paying. Best of luck with that while the rest of us live off the time work and investments that we have successfully acquired.

Don't assume stuff Joey. I'm doing just fine. Daddy sounds like a decent guy. Where did he go wrong with you? You think he'd want to see town that he believed in turned into a strip mall?

Reveal your true name, this way I won't make the mistake of assuming again. Or do we want to play, as you put it, "keyboard commando". A very easy, yet cowardly thing to have the ability to do, especially while one remains anonymous. Its like the tough guy with the big mouth, only when he is alone he reveals, he is not that tough indeed. Sad. And I am the douche. You truly are a comical and entertaining little one.

I know right?! Makes as much sense as parading around on Patch like YOU are an authority on business matters

I am in no way shape or form trying to infringe on anyone's right to eat fast food. I merely am a person who doesn't want to see Roxborough lose it's unique older homes only to become just another lookalike of Ridge & Butler Pike.

As for me needing a day job I already have one. Ever hear of multi-tasking?

Debbie, please direct your day job comment to the person who wrote it. Thanks

Actually I'm against Bloomberg's soda ban because I feel that people should be able to buy whatever size soft drink they want. And I understand that the owners can rent it to whomever they want and no one has the right to stop them. And I also recognize that anyone has the right to protest/petition and no one has the right to stop them. You see, I am for other people's liberties.

But I still can see that their heart is in the right place. I disagree with Bloomberg because he has implemented a law which I feel is unfair. Yet at the same time I support Debbie's efforts to stop the Wendy's from moving in there. If the people of Roxborough mount a large enough opposition to the Wendy's and stop it I'm fine with that. I don't see that as an 'infringement of liberties'. That's a grassroots movement taking action. So yeah, 'Good for them." All of them. I look past the points of disagreement, recognize their motivations, and try and verbalize my thoughts with respect for the intended audience. I also don't immediately label them as liberal/conservative and pretend to understand where they stand on each and every other issue as you clearly have just done to me.

And I wasn't infringing on your liberties. I'm a guy on an internet comment board who you've never even met. I'm not sure how I could infringe on your liberties even if I wanted to.

Where exactly did I insult anyone? You're the one who called the people in Chestnut Hill "libtards".

I know, Caren. Not everyone shares Debbies vision. Some people are clearly in support of the Wendy's. I think we've established that.

And I was actually saying that people shouldn't make it a political issue. Calling people "libtard' and bringing planned parenthood into it is ridiculous and serves no purpose. I'm not sure why you think I'm trying to make it a political issue.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say here or why it's directed at me.

Dave, it looks like RoxGuy makes libturd pretty innocuous. Nice that you post without being able to reply to your post but I guess that's your privilege. How do you let RoxGuy continue? Unless you share his views.

Debbie, you said I was lacking intelligence. Was that a compliment? NOT! Sounds like an insult unless you are stupid (compliment)

Debbie, do you have a reply to your insult?

Hey Joe, so your family owns the shopping center that used to house Woolworth? So you guys bumped out the bread place? Just couldn't make that work?

They couldn't keep a liquor store in the black? Wow! Some mind for business your family has

Huh? The Woolworth chain closed. It wasn't the lack of patronage by the community it was lake of patronage across the U.S.
And I asked about, specifically, Eiselen's Pastry, not Woolworth. I don't think they had a lack of patronage. And how about Al's?

You make it sound like people in the area that don't patronize stores, they don't like and, then they close is a bad thing. Isn't that how it's supposed to work? And people with money in the area take it else where cause there's no where to shop around here. We do need more establishments, of all kinds, around here but not a Wendys. That's for crappy suburban shopping centers and turnpikes.

Joe, do you know if there is another tenant for the building where the day care moved out?

Joe, you blame the residents for bumping out Woolworths ?
That was a national chain that went out of business.I don't know if you ever owned your own business but some make it and some don't. Does your family own the property where Barry's and McGiilicuddy's are located ?

Yes Debbie, we have secured another lease with another Daycare facility. They are in the process of renovating and should be opening soon.

Dave, yes my family owns the location where Barry's and Mcgillicuddy's is. We opened it as a Restaurant originally that we owned and operated. We had an offer to purchase the Restaurant and name and ultimately sold. The tenant we sold to got himself into a bit of trouble and we ultimately took the place back since we held a portion of the note. We found it easier at that point to sell the place again, and consider it a rental, rather than own and operate it. As I mentioned in an earlier post...when we were building the location, the neighborhood petitioned us also. We were only putting in an Italian Restaurant at the time that was BYOB. So liquor was not the issue. Again, Why petition a well constructed facility, family owned and operated vs a dirt lot with trash and old tires thrown about, because that is what was there before we purchased that empty lot. That is my problem with a small sector of this community. My personal opinion is that some not all just have a problem with any and all progress.

yes. this bozo is a real douche

Aww and I mistook you from someone who actually owns businesses; come to find out that you are just some bourgeoisie landlord.

Like I said, you are a comical yet entertaining little one. And to you sir I say Have a Nice Day!

As you are Joey. Keep playing pretend

I'll try and do just that. I just don't know if I can pull it off as well as you do my friend. As I said...............comical....lmfao!!!!!

It's exhausting actually. Rough job...sitting on Patch all day... responding to every comment with lighting fast speed... living off of daddy's sacrifices... but somehow I manage. But you know what thats like, huh Joey?

Hey, it is a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

I remember growing up that stores on the Ridge were open on Friday nights and we would walk up there even if we didn't need to buy anything. Most of the small businesses were family owned - the shoe repair, Foster's shoes, Bovards, Kramer Furniture, etc. Those businesses today could not support an individual let alone a family. Coyle's Cafe is another example. Residents don't want to walk up there and you sure don't want to be there when RHS lets out.

Caren, You talk about the wonders years when you would walk up to the stores on Ridge on Friday nights and loiter in one sentence and then complain about the RHS kids that are ultimately going to be doing the same. What age were you back in those good old days?

Joe, I think Tom brings up a good point having a standard of construction. A lot of towns I have lived in practiced this and helped keep things "nice". It also helps give the neighborhood a feel or theme. South Street, Chestnut Hill, Fairmount to mention a few have a feel to them that attract like business to come in and invest.

The Bunting house and two other house that were torn down are a perfect example. The Bunting house had a nice historic look and the two buildings next to it did at one point but a developer added an ugly facade and once the existing company moved out/went out of business no one moved in.

Neil, that was the 1960's and yes it was the wonder years. I'm sorry if you missed them. They were great.

It looks like the Community Thrift store is closing. What a shame and that will be another vacant storefront. I got quite a few things there.

Again, you are absolutely correct. After the fire years ago which affected the old movie theater, they built the most unattractive strip of stores that could be built. Could you imagine if that Architectural beauty of a movie theater was still there. My father owned the pizza place a couple of doors down from the theater. I can remember as a child many nights so many people on Ridge Ave especially after a movie was over. There was so much character then. How do we get that back?

You really care about Joe and not RoxGuy???? Are you stupid???

Welcome to Roxborough is all you have? Are you even from here? We know Debbie has only been here for 13 yrs. Do you have more than that? If not, you people should really temper your opinions about OUR community!

I'm not the administrator of this page. I don't think there is one, actually. I'm not sure why you feel that I am.

I'm also baffled because I thought I made it pretty clear that I am AGAINST bringing politics into this yet you're accusing me of exactly the opposite. Honestly I can't tell if you're trying to be flip here.

If you were simply refering to the "Welcome to Roxborough " link it wasn't a political statement. Nor is it Pro/Anti-Wendy's. I was trying to add a little levity to the discourse. I thought you guys could use it. Sorry I interupted your name-calliing and finger-pointing.

Name calling and finger pointing? You are clearly everything that RoxGuy has been spewing and then some. Plus, I believe you are actually stupid.

Dave - Levity??? I see you don't know what that means.

u mad?

Bob, are you here now?

I was born at Roxborough Memorial, went to Shawmont, St Lucy's and Archbishop Kennedy High. Grew up on Green Lane and Silverwood, then Dearnley Street. Moved to Deptford a few years ago. Have worked running businesses in Roxborough all my life and continue to do so currently. I am here six days a week and spend more time in Roxborough then I do my own house. Have a vested interest in Roxborough financially. Is that Roxborough enough for you Bob? I think we can all agree that we only seek to see this neighborhood flourish as for many years now it has remained quite stagnate. Recently there seems to be an influx of development both commercially and residentially which is a very good thing for the community. There is no doubt about that. The argument here is whether a Wendy's would be an unattractive addition to this great area. I think a lot of us lose sight of the fact that there are many other eyesores and problems that need to be Addressed in Roxborough. Can anyone suggest a better alternative to that location and can they also obtain that tenant for that location. It easy to have your opinion when you have no financial interest at stake. What would any of you opposed do if you owned that location. If you knew you had a solid company with a solid history? Would you instead rent or lease to a family business with an unproven track record vs a large corporation where you know your rent check will be there every month or will you hope to see your rent check monthly?

yes

Debbie, anyone who lives here even 6 months is a "resident". I've never heard anyone referred to as a "newcomer" they are always new "neighbors". 13 years here doesn't mean that you know any better than anyone else as to what Roxborough needs or doesn't need or what it should look like. It's only your opinion. I also don't believe that Roxborough is in a decline. In fact, the exact opposite is true. With all the changes and new businesses that have opened up in the last 5 years, new lampposts and landscaping along the Ridge I believe that Roxborough is on the way back. "Newbies"?? I never heard anyone called that. I guess you just coined a new phrase.

I have noticed quite the animosity against renters, college students and people who temporarily live in the area vs. long time home owners. Oh, and don't even mention the people that come in just to go to the bars. Shame!

Nicely done Caren....nicely done!!!

Caren, I've said this before. Why don't you and NIck go to the Philadelphia Speaks site and look at the thread relating to the Demolition of 5901-09 Ridge Avenue? That gives the true story of how they really screwed over the community organizations. Or do you have something against going to sites that I recommend?

Debbie, I have gone to the site you recommended and I agree that the developers were not forthcoming - but they didn't owe the neighbors anything! When you buy within 100 feet of commercial zoning you should be prepared for any eventuality, even if it's 10 or 15 yrs. down the road. You accepted that possibility when you bought there, as sad as that might be. Giavonone didn't owe anybody anything. They were businessmen prepared to do whatever it took to get their deal done - capitalism. I regret the demise of the Bunting House, but I'll bet you didn't know either that it was called the Bunting Houe until it was going to be demolished.

Will someone from the Patch please let me know why I cannot post the link to the Philadelphia Speaks site and the thread about Demolition 5901-09 Ridge? I see that the link to the Newsworks site was permitted. I want to provide it because obviously the two people that should read it and see what Giavannone Construction did, don't want to find it themselves.

Debbie, I follow the entire thread of the Bunting House demolition. I don't care what the developers were going to do with it. I loved the building, but nobody cared until it was going to be torn down. Nobody could afford to buy it let alone rehab it. I'm sorry it is gone but it did not have an historic designation to save it. Water over the dam.

Debbie, I've lived in Roxborough my entire life except for my 4 years in college over 50 years. Lawnton St. to Lyceum Ave. to my current home (FYI - not lower income). So, don't throw rocks from your glass house.

Debbie, you never asked where I live.

I agree. My market value just went through the roof with the latest assessment. You're mistaken if you think they paid somebody off. Those are all commercially zoned properties - even the Bunting House. Again, I ask you, did you know that was called the Bunting House before last year?

i agree wih what you are saying, but frankly, I did not know that was the RDC tagline. After you posted that I looked on their website. Otherwise, I haven't seen it anywhere in Roxborough. Have you looked at Wendy's website and seen what their new outlet buildings look like? I think that they would be very amenable to fitting into the existing architecture of the neighborhood and blending in.

Very well put! I can't think of one desirable neighborhood where a Wendy's is literally across the street/behind houses.

Ur like, so like right u know. Theres like, um, so many like probs in the world, and we r all like hating on like wendys. K bye